TRIBAL TRENDS - TRANSFERS: Griezmann choses Man Utd over Real? Barca spend record for Coutinho? Arsenal\'s Ox swap for Zaha?

Published on: 12 May 2017

With the amount of rumours swirling around at this time of year, even after the winter transfer window, it is sometimes difficult to decipher the truth.

These are matters of importance.

As the transfer talk is now directed at the all-important summer market, there are enormous amounts of speculation swirling around Europe and the UK.

Not to worry however, because here at Tribalfootball, we have broken down the week's hottest transfer rumours, and inform you whether you should believe the paper talk or not.

Here are our top five trending transfer stories for the past week:

Antoine Griezmann – Atletico Madrid

Clubs Interested: Manchester United, Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has made his decision – he is taking his talents to Manchester.

According to Diario Gol, Real Madrid has prioritised Griezmann as their main transfer target in the upcoming window.

But much to Real's dismay, the report has revealed that the Frenchman has decided he wants to make the switch to the Premier League with United.

The Sun reports that the Red Devils have already agreed personal terms with Griezmann in a deal worth £280,000-a-week.

Griezmann hasn't had as productive a season compared to his breakout campaign in 2015/16 - although that would have been hard to top considering he won the Golden Boot at Euro2016 and finished third in Ballon D'Or - but that still hasn't stopped both clubs wanting to secure his signature.

If the reports are correct, it is not surprising that Griezmann has chose Manchester over staying in Madrid.

At United, he has can begin a fresh challenge – a new league, new opponents, and the opportunity to link up with France teammate and friend, Paul Pogba.

He also will be provided with the keys to the kingdom at United. He will be the face of the club, tasked with scoring goals and bringing the Red Devils back to their former glory.

At Real, Griezmann becomes just another star amongst Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.

It is still not clear if United or Real are prepared to spend the £100m supposedly needed to secure a transfer, but if they do, it won't come as a surprise if Griezmann picks red over white.

Likelihood: If he goes, it could be to Manchester!

Gareth Bale – Real Madrid

Clubs interested: Manchester United

Diario Golhas reported that Gareth Bale has agreed that he will move to Manchester United from Real Madrid this summer – on one condition.

The report states that Bale has agreed personal teams with the Red Devils, but will only sign if the club qualifies for next year's Champions League.

Bale has had an injury-dampened season at the Bernabeu. First it was his ankle, and now his calf; either way, injuries have limited the Welshman to only 26 appearances in all competitions this season.

Some would say that the former world-record signing would be allowed to have a year where injuries could be forgiven – but this is Real Madrid.

In Bale's absence, his replacements have taken the opportunity to shine.

Isco, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vasquez and James Rodriguez have all performed to a level that has made Bale seem expendable.

While there is no doubt Bale can be a match-winner on his day, can Real afford too sell him and use the large transfer fee to help fill other holes?

For United, they went one step closer to Champions League qualification when they advanced to the Europa League final after defeating Celta Vigo on aggregate in the Europa League semi final.

If United do clinch CL qualification, they will almost certainly be looking for a marquee signing next summer, and if their willing to spend the money, they could have a choice of Bale or Griezmann.

Likelihood: Looked more likely than ever


Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool

Clubs Interested: Barcelona

Liverpool will only sell Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for a world-record fee, according to Sport.

The report suggests Liverpool are starting the bidding at €90m and their hasn't been any suggestion that they won't push for €100m.

While it is believable that Liverpool would accept this offer, it is highly unlikely that this deal will happen.

Jurgen Klopp came out this week and emphatically denied that Liverpool will sell Coutinho, or any of their stars.

He said: "What our owners say is there is the absolute opportunity not to sell anybody if we do not want to. That means we can bring in other players and it is a good situation. We have a stable squad with a good basis."

On the other hand, Barcelona are in no position to spend €100m on a single player without at least selling some of their expensive commodities, which they will be reluctant to do.

Likelihood: Unlikely


Arsene Wenger – Arsenal

Players Interested In: Thomas Lemar (Monaco), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Virgil Van Dijk (Southampton)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is looking to sign four new players in the summer.

The Mirrorhas reported the Gunners boss has Monaco's Thomas Lemar, Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette, Schalke's Sead Kolasinac and Southampton's Virgil Van Dyk, at the top of his hit list.

Although not household names, all four players fit a specific need for Arsenal, and will provide a boost if they are to have a chance at winning the Premier League title next season.

Lemar has been outstanding for Ligue 1 leaders Monaco this season. The midfielder has managed 14 goals in all competitions, and at 21 years of age, would give the Gunners some fresh legs in midfield.

Lacazette has been a target of Arsene Wenger's for some time now. The France striker has made it known he wants to a new challenge next season, but has also been quoted as saying he wants to play Champions League football, which at the moment, is not guaranteed at the Emirates.

Van Dijk and Kolasinac are both desperately needed at centre half and left back respectively. Van Dijk has been mooted for a move to all the big clubs in England, and Kolasinac could be picked up quite easily as he becomes a free agent at season's end.

It is doubtful that Wenger will be able to get all four on his list, but a few would go a long way.

Likelihood: Could happen!


Wilfred Zaha – Crystal Palace

Clubs Interested: Arsenal, Tottenham

The Sun reports that Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce wants two Arsenal players for Palace winger Wilfred Zaha.

It is believed Big Sam has asked for Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson in a swap deal for the nifty 24-year old.

Zaha has had a good season with Palace and there has been rumours of interest from Arsenal's North London rival Tottenham.

However, it is hard to imagine Arsene Wenger parting with one of these players for Zaha.

Jenkinson would happily be swapped for the former Manchester United winger, but with Oxlade Chamberlain as well – that is a bit of a stretch.

Likelihood: Asking too much

Source: tribalfootball.com

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